Day: December 21, 2024

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew formally inaugurated the 4th International Ecological Well-Being Conference, titled “Artificial Intelligence, Technoethics, and Youth,” on Friday, December 20, 2024, at the Marasleio School. The conference, organized by the Laboratory of Applied Philosophy of the Department of Philosophy at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, is held under the auspices of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
In his speech, the Ecumenical Patriarch highlighted that the topic of artificial intelligence had been thoroughly examined during the recent Synaxis of the Hierarchy of the Ecumenical Throne, where Archbishop Makarios of Australia delivered a highly insightful presentation. He also referenced the recent scientific conference organized by the Synodal Committee on Bioethics of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, as well as the significant conference hosted by the Theological School of Athens, both of which contributed to a deeper understanding of this critical issue.
As the Ecumenical Patriarch stated, this demonstrates that “the Orthodox Church and its theology are not indifferent to the modern world, cultural and scientific developments, social events, or the historical conditions shaping the lives of the faithful.”
The Ecumenical Patriarch, among other things, pointed out:
“The Orthodox tradition is an inexhaustible source of vital principles and truths for humanity and the world. Naturally, the remarkable theological texts do not contain ready-made answers to address contemporary problems. Instead, they require study and serious theological effort to articulate the proposal of life, freedom, and the universal values of Orthodoxy. For this reason, we are pleased to see theology engaging with the topic of ‘artificial intelligence.’”
It reaffirmed its role as a “theology of dialogue” and highlighted the sanctity of the human person and the commitment to its full respect. Theology will persist in exploring the sources and monuments of our faith, drawing inspiration and nourishment from the Truth, which for Christians is not merely an “idea” but a “person”—the incarnate Word of God. He is both the foundation and the horizon of our freedom, encompassing its worldly expression and eternal dimension.
He will address modern humanity, conveying the salvific Gospel of Christ in a timely manner, always in relation to the central questions of human existence, the signs of the times, and humanity’s engagement with the culture and civilizations of our world.
In light of the remarkable advancements in science and technology, we affirm our conviction that these achievements, when used responsibly and ethically, can contribute to genuine progress without compromising fundamental moral and spiritual principles and values. We do not regard the conflict between faith and science as inevitable.
Such a perspective arises from a misunderstanding of the essence and purpose of these two profound spiritual forces, which together serve humanity. The Holy and Great Council of the Orthodox Church (Crete 2016) underscored this harmony, stating that “for the Orthodox Church, the capacity for scientific research of the world is a God-given gift to man” (The Mission of the Orthodox Church in the Modern World, VI, § 11).”
Elsewhere in his speech, the Ecumenical Patriarch stressed:
“Your conference – our conference – also focuses on young people, whose lives will inevitably unfold within the environment shaped by the dynamic integration of artificial intelligence into our daily existence.
Obviously, the new generation is neither technophobic nor indifferent to new technologies, as these are integral to the core of their lives. The Church, while advocating for the responsible use of artificial intelligence, encourages young people to cultivate “spiritual intelligence” by exploring and embracing the invaluable spiritual and cultural treasures of our Orthodox Tradition. This aligns with the invitation extended to them by the Council of Crete in its Message: “The Orthodox Church addresses young people, who seek a life of fullness enriched by freedom, justice, creativity, and love.
It invites them to consciously connect with the Church of Christ, who is the Truth and Life, and to actively engage with the ecclesiastical body, bringing their energy, concerns, aspirations, and expectations. Young people are not merely the future of the Church; they are its dynamic and creative presence, both locally and globally” (§ 11).
Childhood and adolescence are the most formative stages of life, offering the ideal opportunity to instill in young minds and hearts a profound respect for the sanctity and beauty of the human person, as well as a deep concern for the integrity of creation.
We humbly acknowledge that, more often than not, young people teach us through their sensitivities, ideas, and visions. They display a greater concern than adults for the protection of the natural environment, the pursuit of justice, the promotion of peace, and the cultivation of a culture of solidarity. In this sense, many young people today, even if not actively engaged in the liturgical life of the Church, serve as carriers, advocates, and practitioners of its communal and social ethos.”
Previously, Professor Evangelos Protopapadakis, Director of the Laboratory of Applied Philosophy at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and the MSc program Animals: Ethics, Law, Welfare, addressed the audience. Additionally, during the inaugural session, Archon Konstantinos Delikostantis, Professor Emeritus of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, delivered a speech.
The inaugural meeting was attended by Metropolitan Kyrillos of Imbros and Tenedos, clergy, Consul Athanasia Iliaki, representative of the Consul General of Greece in Constantinople, university professors and participants in the Conference.
The speech of the Ecumenical Patriarch begins at 52:20:
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Sweepstakes casinos serve as an alternative to real money casinos as they are entirely free and can be enjoyed without spending real money. Even if you are in a market that has yet to legalize online casinos, free-to-play sweepstakes casinos are an option in most markets.
While also being free to play, these casinos offer sweepstakes casino no deposit bonuses, or no purchase bonuses. There are bonuses you can get only with purchases, but the best sweepstakes casinos offer no purchase bonuses as well. These bonuses range from bonuses granted for creating an account to daily log-in bonuses and more.
These are the best sweepstakes casinos with no purchase bonuses.
Sweepstakes casinos are entirely free to play. If you elect to purchase more coins, the option is there but it is not a requirement. The entire library of games is accessible entirely without ever having to spend money. With no purchase bonuses, you can see an increase in the digital currencies for top sweepstakes casinos.
The only thing you need to do to claim a no purchase bonus is to sign up and log-in daily. These promos are available for everyone who signs up, and the daily bonuses are issued every 24 hours. See the table below for details on the best no purchase bonuses at the top sweepstakes casinos:
There are two currencies used at popular sweepstakes casinos. Those currencies are gold coins (GCs) and sweepstakes coins (SCs). Both currencies can be used to play games at popular sweeps sites, but there are some important differences to note.
GCs can be used only to play games and cannot be withdrawn or redeemed for real cash prizes. While GCs are obtainable for free, sweepstakes casinos offer the option to purchase more GCs via the sweepstakes store.
What makes SCs different is that you cannot directly purchase SCs from sweepstakes stores. SCs can be collected through winning games or as bonuses included in GCs purchases. SCs can be redeemed for cash prizes and gift cards at sweepstakes casinos.
When you accumulate a specific amount of sweepstakes coins, you will be able to redeem them for cash prizes or gift cards. The amount required to redeem is different depending on the sweepstakes casino. Redeeming SCs is as simple as clicking the redeem option while on the sweepstakes casino’s main site.
When you select redeem, you can then convert the SCs into your selected prize. This is how you can win real money with sweepstakes coins. Play games at popular sweepstakes casinos and win. Collect enough SC and convert them into cash prizes. Remember SCs can be collected for free and cannot be purchased SC.
Sweeps casinos are legal in most US states despite not being regulated like real money online casinos. While the games and layout of sweeps casinos are similar to real money casinos, the business model is completely different.
Sweepstakes casinos operate under sweepstakes laws, and are not regulated by state gambling laws. At sweepstakes casinos, you can play for free and cannot withdraw gold coins for cash. With real money casinos, you are wagering real cash to win real money.
Online casinos work the same as brick-and-mortar casinos and are regulated by the same gaming commissions in each state.
Since sweepstakes casinos are free-to-play, they are not required to obtain gambling licenses to operate. In the same manner that video games offer digital currencies that players can earn or pay for benefits in the game, sweepstakes casinos offer digital currencies.
You do not have to spend any money to access all of the social casino gaming options at popular sweepstakes sites. They are legal and accessible through local sweepstakes laws. That is why sweepstakes casinos are legal without gaming licenses.
See more: Alabama sweepstakes casinos
Claiming a sweepstakes casino no purchase bonus is as easy as creating a new account at the sweeps casino of your choice. Follow these steps:
LiveChat with a GameSense Advisor at GameSenseMA.com or call 1-800-GAM-1234
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With more people in need this festive season, charities, too, are appealing for extra help
The British public is expected to give more than £1bn to charities this month as the festive season acts as a reminder of the increasing number of people who are in need of help. But charities say that the number of people who regularly give has declined, and some have appealed for extra help.
The Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) says that although the public is more motivated to give at Christmas, at the same time, “more and more” people are in need.
“We hope that those who can afford to, give, either in the form of a donation, or things they don’t need, or by volunteering their time for good causes,” says Philippa Cornish, head of charities at the CAF.
So what are some of the ways to support a charity at Christmas, and, perhaps, throughout the year?
Christmas gifts and merchandise offered by charities and aid agencies have evolved a long way from boxes of greetings cards, calendars and diaries. Many offer “virtual gifts” that can help change the lives of people around the world – from paying for a child to go to school in a developing country, to providing warm clothes in a cold climate.
Some charities offer an e-gift card which you can personalise and send on to a relative or friend, while with others you buy the gift in their name and the recipient gets a personalised e-card or certificate.
Here’s a few last-minute ideas:
Oxfam’s Unwrapped e-gift cards start at £5. Causes that can be supported include helping people access clean water; assisting activists as they push for change; funding new energy systems in areas affected by adverse weather; and pushing for equal pay.
Save the Children’s school bag kits cost £12 and include pens, pencils, rulers and other essentials. These are aimed at children who, for example, have had to flee their homes due to war or a natural disaster. In the shop there are toys for £8; five mosquito nets for those at risk of malaria cost £21; and £38 gets a water filter in an area where the supply is filthy.
WaterAid has a Shop for Life which offers “handwashing stations” for three families (£24), a “bog in a bag”, which is a bag of cement that produces a latrine (£10), and a pair of water taps (£20).
Impact, which aims to help disabled people in impoverished countries, sells gift tokens that help fund cleft lip surgery, and care packages for new mothers and children.
The amount of waste at Christmas has prompted many to want to buy in a more sustainable way.
Lucy Willoughby set up Bristol-based Good Things to sell gifts that support charities and “give back to people and the planet”. “By buying these, I know my money is making a difference in the world and supporting causes that matter – not just the profits of big business,” she says.
Among the things it sells are accessories, such as bags and wallets by the upcycler Lost in Samsara.
UK charity Arthouse Unlimited represents artists with learning and physical disabilities, while Gogo Olive offers handmade toys which have been knitted by women who have been imprisoned in Zimbabwe.
Other options include the ShelterBox Book Club, where members get to vote on books they would like, with the winning title posted to them every six weeks. Funds raised are used to help people suffering from the effects of natural disasters. The suggested donation for six months is £60.
Migrateful hosts cooking evenings run by refugees, who teach people about dishes from their home country. Classes are held in London, Bristol and Brighton.
Winter is the busiest time for food banks, and there has been an urgent appeal for donations from Trussell, the charity which acts as a community hub for 1,400 food banks. A donation of £25 can provide food for two, while £50 can feed a whole family, and £150 can help respond to increased need for a week.
“As temperatures plummet and bills rise, people will be forced into making impossible choices between eating or heating,” says Trussell’s director of public engagement, Sophie Carre.
“Help make sure food banks continue to provide warm, compassionate, practical support and advice this winter by donating food, or money to Trussell’s winter appeal.”
Food donations should be long-life and in date, and toiletries such as shampoo are welcome.
Simply contributing cash is the easiest way to help. This also gives charities the flexibility to use the funds how they wish, says Donal Watkin of the Association of Charitable Organisations (ACO).
“Structured giving, such as setting a budget or planning regular donations, can help spread generosity throughout the year, allowing charities to plan ahead and sustain their services,” says Watkin.
Whether it is large national organisations or smaller local groups, there is often a need for volunteers who can help out at Christmas and over the winter.
Among many others, Crisis looks for people to help with packing presents, hosting get-togethers, bring people meals and running activities. And the Salvation Army asks volunteers to help prepare and deliver food, wrap and deliver gifts, and support community events.
Those giving to charity this Christmas have been warned to watch out for fraud. A campaign has been launched by the Fundraising Regulator, the Charity Commission for England and Wales, and Action Fraud to ensure people do not fall victim to criminals. Their advice is:
Check the charity’s name and number on the Charity Register, where most charities with income of over £5,000 are registered.
Work to understand how a charity is spending the funds raised.
Look for the “Fundraising Badge” logo, which means they are registered with the regulator.
A face-to-face fundraiser should have a licence from the local authority, or the police in London.

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OAKLAND — A 53-year-old Brentwood man who misrepresented his marijuana distribution business as a nonprofit to obtain $300,000 in COVID-19 relief funds was sentenced Thursday to just over three years in federal prison, according to prosecutors.

Thanh Duy Nguyen previously pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said in a news release.
Nguyen ran and was the sole officer of T&A Distribution, an unlicensed interstate marijuana trafficking scheme with grow houses around the Bay Area, according to prosecutors.
Prosecutors said Nguyen used the business to secure two Economic Injury Disaster Loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act authorized the SBA to provide EIDL loans to small businesses experiencing substantial financial disruption because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nguyen filed the first loan application in April 2020 and the second in June 2020. In both, he certified he was not involved in any unlawful activity even though he knew his marijuana distribution business was illegal under federal law, according to prosecutors. He also purportedly lied about T&A Distribution’s gross revenues, cost of operations and employee count.
In the first application, Nguyen claimed T&A Distribution was a nonprofit in the business of “antiques/collectibles,” and in the second, he misrepresented T&A Distribution as a nonprofit in the business of “miscellaneous services,” prosecutors said.
Nguyen ultimately received about $300,000 in EIDL funds, which he largely used for his marijuana distribution business and for gambling, according to prosecutors.
In addition to a 37-month prison term, Nguyen was ordered to serve three years of supervised release and pay $300,000 in restitution, prosecutors said. Nguyen will begin serving his sentence on Feb. 28.
Copyright © 2024 MediaNews Group

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Who doesn’t dream of striking it rich playing the North Carolina Education Lottery? For some Wilmington-area residents, the dream really did come true in 2024. Here’s a look at some of those winners.
Ricky Todd’s scratch-off ticket purchase turned into a major prize in November. The Leland resident scored on a $20 ticket with a $100,000 prize.
Todd bought his lucky $2,000,000 Diamond Deluxe ticket from the Food Lion on Village Road in Leland.
After required tax withholdings, he took home $71,506.
A $10 scratch-off ticket proved lucky for Rosa Sanchez of Rocky Point.
In October, Sanchez bought her lucky 50X The Cash ticket from PMG PM on N.C. 210 in Rocky Point and won a $1 million top prize.
She had the choice of receiving an annuity of $50,000 over 20 years or a lump sum of $600,000. She chose the $600,000 and, after required state and federal tax withholdings, took home $429,003.22.
Every time he plays the lottery, John Ross picks up his phone. No, he’s not making a call — he’s using the phone as a tool.
“I just close my eyes and point at random numbers,” Ross said in a news release from the North Carolina Lottery.
The strategy paid off as he was playing the Lucky for Life game. Ross bought the lucky $2 ticket using Online Play, and won his prize by matching all five white balls in the July drawing.
“The day of the drawing was actually my wife’s birthday,” Ross said. “It’s hard to believe.”
Ross, 56, said he likes to play Lucky for Life the same way each time, purchasing a single ticket.
Ross had the choice of receiving $25,000 a year for the rest of his life or a $390,000 lump sum. He chose the $390,000 lump sum and, after required state and federal tax withholdings, took home $278,851.
“This will help get me to where I need to be for retirement,” he said.
Ross said he also planned to use his winnings to pay bills and donate to charity.
By keeping a tradition alive, William Bon Viso came out a winner.
Bon Viso usually receives scratch-offs as a Father’s Day gift from his aunt. But this year instead of any scratch-offs, he received $20 cash. He kept the tradition and bought the tickets himself.
“A $20 Father’s Day gift became a blessing,” Bon Viso said.
When the Wilmington man checked his ticket, he started shaking because he couldn’t believe how much he won — $250,000.
“I was like in another world,” he recalled. “I was on a cloud.”
Bon Viso bought his lucky 20X The Cash ticket from the Walmart on Sigmon Road in Wilmington.
“Life is just all about timing,” Bon Viso said. “It just shows you have to always follow your gut.”
More:Who are the highest paid local government employees in the Wilmington area?
In June, John Robbins won the lottery for the second time in just two years.
Robbins took home a $100,000 prize from a $30 Black Titanium scratch-off ticket. In May 2022, he won a $2 million prize from an Ultimate 7’s ticket.
Robbins’ second winning ticket was purchased from the Han-Dee Hugo’s on North College Road in Wilmington — the same store where his first winning ticket was purchased.
“I was told lightning can’t strike twice but I guess it can,” Robbins said in the release. “I was definitely excited because I have some dreams I want to work on.”
After state and federal taxes, Robbins took home a total of $71,509.
“My dream is to make a difference in Wilmington,” Robbins said in a news release. “I want to give back to people here who are less fortunate. I want to do something to help change that.”
Avid golfer Jack Romans Jr. won a $100,000 scratch-off prize.
The Calabash resident bought a $2,000,000 Diamond Deluxe ticket from RM Mart on Seaside Road Southwest in Sunset Beach.
“I’m going to get a new set of irons,” Romans said.
After required federal and state tax withholdings, he took home $71,506.
“It’s my birthday in a week,” he said in May when he claimed his prize. “This is a nice early birthday present.”
Romans said he also plans to pay some bills with his winnings.
From the archives:This home on Figure Eight Island is the most expensive one ever sold in North Carolina
Stacey Miller won more than $100,000 from a $40 Carolina Keno ticket.
The Southport woman purchased her ticket at Eshangi BP on Southport Supply Road in February.
The $40 ticket played for five shares. She drew a 5X multiplier for a $4,500 prize, bringing her win to a total of $112,500.
After federal and state taxes, she took home $80,686.
George Rongotes Jr. spent $5 on a Fast Play lottery ticket and scored a $154,166 jackpot win.
The Wilmington man bought his ticket from the Ludas Social Club, a bar he owns, on Carolina Beach Road.
He purchased his Double Win ticket on Jan. 3, when the jackpot stood at $308,332.
He received 50% of the progressive jackpot since he had purchased a $5 ticket. After state and federal tax withholdings, he took home $99,051.
Hipolito Berrocales spent $1 on a Cash 5 lottery ticket and took home a $491,290 jackpot.
Berrocales purchased his ticket from the Han-Dee Hugo’s on Northwest Road in Leland.
With odds of 1 in 962,598, Berrocales matched all five numbers on his ticket.
The Leland resident took home $351,273 after state and federal taxes.

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The crypto market’s always buzzing with possibilities, but this week feels like a blockbuster lineup for savvy investors. Between Hedera breaking into Europe’s financial markets with its ETP launch on Euronext and Litecoin’s bullish momentum towards a $150 breakout thanks to miner confidence, the opportunities are ripe for the picking. And right in the middle of it all is Qubetics, quietly but confidently reshaping how we think about online privacy with its decentralised VPN (dVPN).
So, which of these coins will give you the best bang for your buck? While Hedera and Litecoin have some exciting developments, Qubetics’ innovative dVPN tech and its presale price of just $0.0342 might just make it the top contender among the best altcoins to invest in right now. Let’s dig into why.
If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve used a VPN before. Maybe you wanted to stream a show that wasn’t available in your country, or you were just trying to keep your browsing private. But here’s the thing—traditional VPNs are far from perfect. They’re centralised, which means there’s always a single point of failure. Whether it’s data breaches, surveillance, or good ol’ censorship, these issues leave users vulnerable.
Enter Qubetics and its decentralised VPN. Built on blockchain, Qubetics dVPN doesn’t rely on a central server. Instead, it uses a peer-to-peer network to encrypt and distribute data, making it way more secure and private. Imagine never having to worry about a VPN provider selling your data or a government snooping around in your digital footprint. That’s the promise of Qubetics.
And investors are loving it. The Qubetics presale has already raised over $7.3 million, with more than 363 million $TICS tokens sold. At just $0.0342, you could snag around 29,200 tokens for $1,000. Now, here’s the kicker: analysts are predicting that $TICS could soar to $10-$15 after the mainnet launch. That’s not just a solid return—that’s life-changing money.
But Qubetics isn’t just about making you rich. It’s about solving real-world problems. In an age where online privacy feels like a luxury, Qubetics is proving that it can be a fundamental right. Its decentralised approach addresses the biggest flaws in existing VPNs, from security risks to data tracking, making it a game-changer in the space. To learn more about Qubetics, you can check this out: Watch the Video.
Hedera has been turning heads lately, thanks to its new Exchange Traded Product (ETP) launch on Euronext. This move is more than just a milestone—it’s a sign that crypto is becoming increasingly integrated with traditional finance. The ETP gives European investors a streamlined way to gain exposure to Hedera’s ecosystem, potentially driving adoption and boosting the value of HBAR, its native token.
Why does this matter? Because mainstream exposure like this often acts as a catalyst for price growth. With Europe taking the lead in crypto regulation and adoption, Hedera is positioning itself as a serious player in the global financial ecosystem.
If you’re an investor looking for stability and growth, Hedera’s recent moves make it one of the best altcoins to invest in right now.
Written by seasoned experts, who have over 16 years of experience in Free Zones development. Learn more.
Litecoin has been quietly but steadily climbing the ranks, and its latest price action is a testament to that. With miners reportedly buying up $18 million worth of LTC, confidence in the network’s future is at an all-time high. Add to that its potential to break the $150 mark, and you’ve got a recipe for excitement.
What’s driving this optimism? For starters, Litecoin has long been considered the silver to Bitcoin’s gold. Its faster transaction speeds and lower fees make it a favourite for both investors and everyday users. And with miners doubling down on their holdings, the sentiment around Litecoin is undeniably bullish.
If you’ve been waiting for a sign to invest in Litecoin, this might just be it. The combination of miner confidence and bullish price predictions make it one of the best altcoins to invest in right now.
Hedera’s mainstream appeal and Litecoin’s miner-driven momentum are undeniably exciting, but Qubetics offers something unique—a chance to invest in a project that’s solving real-world problems while delivering insane growth potential. Its decentralised VPN isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a necessity in today’s digital age.
Combine that with its $0.0342 presale price and analysts’ bold predictions, and it’s hard to argue against Qubetics being the top pick. Whether you’re in it for the tech, the returns, or both, this is one opportunity you don’t want to miss.
So, what are you waiting for? Head over to the Qubetics presale page, grab your $TICS tokens, and secure your spot in one of the most promising projects in crypto today.
Qubetics: https://qubetics.com
Telegram: https://t.me/qubetics
Twitter: https://x.com/qubetics
This Brand Press post is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as financial or investment guidance. Always ensure to carry out due diligence.

About Brand Press: This is a sponsored content service, enabling brands to directly engage with our technology-focused audience. Please note that Brand Press content is created independently of Techpoint Africa’s editorial team.
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Give it a try, you can unsubscribe anytime. Privacy Policy.
This Brand Press post is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as financial or investment guidance. Always ensure to carry out due diligence.

About Brand Press: This is a sponsored content service, enabling brands to directly engage with our technology-focused audience. Please note that Brand Press content is created independently of Techpoint Africa’s editorial team.
Interested in reaching our dynamic readership? Connect with us at business@techpoint.africa

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Lindsey Vonn, 40, finishes 14th in first World Cup race since 2019  Yahoo Sports
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A government shutdown may not be the gift Americans had on their list this holiday season. But the potential for one looms Friday.
A shutdown became more likely after President-elect Donald Trump opposed a bipartisan plan reached Wednesday to keep the government funded through mid-March. Complicating an already complex situation: Trump wants Congress to raise the debt ceiling because the current debt limit suspension ends on January 1, 2025. An agreement would give the incoming administration time to use “extraordinary measures” to pay the bills.
A question possibly on the minds of the 68 million Americans currently getting Social Security benefits: What happens to the Social Security Administration during a government shutdown? Will recipients still get benefits checks? Here’s what to know.
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During a government shutdown, some federal agencies continue their work because at least some of their workers are considered “essential” to continue activities such as air traffic control, border protection, law enforcement, in-hospital medical care, and power grid maintenance, notes the nonprofit, nonpartisan Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget.
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Among those agencies and programs that continue on because some of their mandatory spending is not subject to annual appropriations by Congress: Medicare, Medicaid and, yes, Social Security. 
Social Security has “dedicated funding, so it’s outside of the budget process,” said Craig Copeland, director of wealth benefits research at the Employee Benefit Research Institute. “All that money is there to paid (out). It doesn’t have to be appropriated. … You’re still going to get your checks.”
That means retirement and disability benefits including Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments will continue to go out.
Also unaffected by a shutdown: military veterans’ benefits, and medical care, and food benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
The Social Security Administration has a contingency plan for shutdowns. In a letter to the director of the Office of Management and Budget three months ago, the SSA described its 2025 fiscal year plan for a potential federal government shutdown. That coincided with a potential mid-September shutdown, which was avoided by an agreement reached in Sept. 22. (That agreement expires on Friday.)
The SSA details how it will “continue activities critical to our direct-service operations and those needed to ensure accurate and timely payment of benefits …. (and) will cease activities not directly related to the accurate and timely payment of benefits or not critical to our direct-service operations.”
The plan, signed by Chad Poist, the SSA’s deputy commissioner for the budget, finance and management, cites a 1995 memorandum from the Department of Justice to the Office of Management and Budget that any other government activities needed to disburse Social Security benefits are allowed during a “lapse in appropriations.”
The SSA’s continued activities include processing benefits applications, issuing new and replacement Social Security cards, and information technology work needed for daily processing activities, fraud protection, and other applications.
Some discontinued activities during a shutdown include benefit verifications, earnings record corrections and updates unrelated to adjudication of benefits, and IT enhancement activities.
“Some of the (SSA) workers could be furloughed until this is resolved, because some of those services are funded differently than the way the benefits are,” Copeland said.
He suggests anyone who has an appointment to start benefits or to handle benefit calculations to make sure their appointments will happen or need to be rescheduled. “Appointments … could be impacted,” he said.
Those recipients whose birthdates range from the 21st to the 31st of the month are scheduled to get a check on Dec. 24, according to the SSA calendar. The January SSI payment is scheduled to go out Dec. 31.
The next checks would be Jan. 3 for recipients who began receiving Social Security before May 1997. Those who get both Social Security & SSI will get Social Security paid on Jan. 3 and SSI on Jan. 1, according to the SSA’s 2025 calendar.
Checks go out on Jan. 8 for those whose birthdates are from the 1st to 10th of the month and Jan. 15 for those whose birthdates are from the 11th to 20th.
Contributing: Savannah Kuchar, USA TODAY, and Reuters.
Follow Mike Snider on X and Threads: @mikesnider & mikegsnider.
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EZ2/LVM – 31 14
SUERTRES – 6 4 6
6D Lotto – 0 2 9 6 1 8
6/42 – 42 27 12 8 38 18
P9,805,761.00
Grand Lotto – 25 48 26 8 46 53
P29,700,000.00
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Bitcoin rose to its latest zenith last week. (Photo illustration by Chesnot/Getty Images)
Bitcoin prices rallied to their latest all-time high during the week through Friday, December 20, as multiple variables, including some notable government developments, caused the digital currency to experience some compelling upside.
The world’s most well-known cryptocurrency reached successive highs on Monday, December 16 and Tuesday, December 17, surpassing $107,000 on the former and $108,000 on the latter, according to Coinbase data from TradingView.
After rallying to these levels, the digital asset surrendered some of its gains, suffering repeated pullbacks and falling to nearly $92,000 on Friday, December 20, additional Coinbase figures provided by TradingView reveal.
Several analysts offered their take on what fueled these sharp price movements, including Alex Lin, cofounder and general partner at venture capital firm Reforge, which focuses on investments in blockchain and frontier tech.
“Bitcoin’s surge to an all-time high of over $108,000 was propelled by a combination of factors that began early last week with expectations of Federal Reserve rate cuts and continued strong market sentiment favoring the asset after it crossed the psychological $100,000 threshold,” he stated via email.
“This momentum was further supported by reduced BTC supply on exchanges reported from earlier this month, suggesting investors were moving their BTC into personal custody, which decreased available supply against growing demand and increased scarcity,” said Lin.
“And as BTC approached and subsequently surpassed previous highs going into this week, short positions were squeezed, resulting in additional buying pressure as those shorting had to cover their positions,” he continued.
“However, the all-time high was short-lived as the Fed’s announced rate cuts on Wednesday were smaller than expected,” Lin stated, referring to the Federal Open Market Committee’s announcement, released on December 18, which indicated that the group of policymakers had opted to reduce the target range for the federal funds rate by 25 basis points.
“The hawkish stance and cautious monetary policy catalyzed a BTC sell-off, followed by significant liquidations in the derivatives market, further exacerbating the price drop as positions were forcefully closed,” he added.
Brady Swenson, head of education at Swan Bitcoin, also weighed in via email, offering his thoughts on the price declines that bitcoin experienced later in the week.
“Bitcoin’s price dip is likely more related to Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s recent comments indicating fewer rate cuts in 2025 than it is the shutdown drama,” he stated, referring to the press conference that Powell held on Wednesday, December 18, in addition to the potential government shutdown that lawmakers managed to avert on Friday, December 20.
However, these developments simply make the digital asset look more appealing, Swenson claimed.
“The looming government shutdown and the course changes with monetary policy both underscore the appeal of Bitcoin’s transparent, code-based policies, contrasting with the often opaque and confusing process of human consensus building on major monetary and fiscal decisions,” he stated.
Greg Magadini, director of derivatives for digital asset data provider Amberdata, also commented on the price declines that bitcoin experienced after reaching an all-time earlier in the week.
“With the markets at all-time highs, relatively strong CPI numbers last week, and a strong labor market, the Fed reduced its guidance for 2025 rate cuts to a more hawkish tone,” he wrote via email on Friday, December 20.
Magadini emphasized that after the recent U.S. election, the crypto markets’ long exposure vastly outweighed its short exposure, which created an environment that made it far easier for pullback to materialize “as investors re-evaluated the US rate landscape and fiat USD rallied.”
Going forward, bitcoin is in a position to appreciate, Tim Enneking, managing partner of Psalion, said via emailed comments.
“With a wipeout back to the low 90s, the stage is now really set well for another leg up,” he stated.
“Correlation with ‘risk on’ fiat assets will still be higher than the crypto ecosystem would like, but crypto is 24/7 and fiat markets are open about 20% of that, so the crypto bull will still have plenty of room to run,” said Enneking
Disclosure: I own some bitcoin, bitcoin cash, litecoin, ether, EOS and SOL.

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